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Torque wrenches are very popular among professional repairmen, and serious DIYers because of its great accuracy of providing exact amounts of torque on fasteners.
People who find it difficult to tighten nuts and bolts with precise torque and, most of the time, end up overtightening them also use these wrenches.
These wrenches come with various features and specs at different price ranges.
If you are thinking about getting one for yourself without spending much, then this list of the best cheap torque wrench under 100 to 200 has some great deals for you.
Even if you are a professional, you may also get a cheap wrench that meets your work intensity.
Top 5 Tips for When Buying a Best Cheap Torque Wrench
Be sure to check for following key features to look before you make the final purchase –
Accuracy
The first and foremost thing to look at when you are about to buy a torque wrench would be its accuracy. This is the reason why people use this type of wrench.
The standard accuracy rate is +/–4%, and most mechanical torque wrenches come with this level of accuracy.
However, some models, including digital ones, are +/–3% accurate. Lesser the rate, higher the accuracy is.
Drive Sizes
Torque wrenches have various sizes of drives. As not all the fasteners are of the same size, there are drives of ½, ¼, ¾, ⅜ sizes; so, depending on what size of fasteners you have to deal with regularly, consider getting a wrench according to that.
Many models come with additional drives of versatile sizes, and you can check out those deals as well.
Torque Value
Not all the fasteners require the same amount of torque to be tightened with. Therefore, torque wrenches come with different torque ranges.
Head over to the manufacturer’s instruction, and then choose a wrench that delivers the amount of torque that you require.
Make sure your desired torque amount lies in between 20-80 percent of the wrench’s capability, as the accuracy is much better within this range.
Construction
Wrenches with all-steel construction are considered as durable. However, hardened steel housing is more durable than all-steel made housing.
Make sure there is enough grip on the handlebar that will prevent the wrench from falling off your hand accidentally, and provide you comfort while using.
Features
All the mechanical, as well as beam torque wrenches, come with an audible click feature that alerts the user about overtightening the fasteners. Digital ones come with buzzer, light, and beep alerts.
The Lock knob mechanism ensures the torque value doesn’t change while not in use. Also, you can save a few numbers of torque values for repeated use on various applications.
5 Best Cheap Torque Wrenchs Under $200
These wrenches are best for pro-DIYers and light-duty professional tightening jobs.
Precision Instruments Silver ½ Inch Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench
Beam torque wrenches gained popularity among the customers due to the ease of use. This is not an exception with this one as well.
Instead of spring tension, the wrench got an adjustable knob that makes adjusting torque value fast, easy, and reliable.
To ensure its durability, the manufacturer used chrome finish on its steel surface so that it doesn’t get damaged due to the exposure of water and humidity.
In addition to that, its ergonomic grip will provide you a very comfortable feel while using it.
This beam wrench has a flex head that helps you to get hard to reach fasteners.
Its overall length also contributes to fasten nuts and bolts that are in tight spaces.
You can drive the head clockwise to tighten fasteners. For convenience, you can lock the torque setting for repeated use.
The torque range that this ½ inch wrench offers is 20-250 ft-lbs. It has dual-range scales, including Newton meters, for convenience.
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Gearwrench ½ Inch Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench 30-250 ft-lbs.
If your fastening jobs require you to get a micrometer torque wrench that delivers mild torque power, you may like this one from Gearwrench.
The torque wrench ships with a pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–3% in a clockwise direction between 20%-100% of its torque capability.
With such a level of accuracy within a specified range, you can rest assured about tightening fasteners with adequate amounts of torque. Its all-steel construction feels quite sturdy.
Also, there is enough grip on its knurled anodized aluminum handlebar for you to comfortably use it on fasteners that are located in tight spaces without much struggle. You can count on its overall durability regardless of the applications.
The wrench got a thin, minimal design with a teardrop head that helps to access hard to access fasteners.
For applications of fasteners that require about 30-250 ft-lbs. of torque, you can use this wrench very efficiently to get the work done.
Setting torque value is much convenient for this one. There is a pull adjustment collar that makes it easy to use with minimum time and effort. The range scale is easy to read as well.
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Related Review: 1/4 Torque Wrench Reviews
Gearwrench ⅜ Inch Flex Head Electronic Torque Wrench 10-100 ft-lbs.
This torque wrench from Gearwrench combines excellent accuracy of a digital wrench, and flex head of a beam wrench, and offers you a package that you cannot refuse.
You can turn its ratchet head at 5-degrees to turn fasteners that are located in tight and narrow spaces.
The house and handle feel quite sturdy, and these are oil and solvent resistant that will prevent it from falling off your hand accidentally.
Its 5 torque measurement units allow you to work with versatile fasteners. The wrench also features 3 functional modes to ensure added versatility.
You can save 10 torque presets, which come handy for frequent fastening applications.
Also, you will get an accuracy of +/–2% in clockwise, and +/–3% in counterclockwise direction, which ranges between 20 to 100 percent of wrench capability.
Furthermore, the accuracy of angle reading is +/–1%.
After applying the targeted torque, the wrench will give you vibration, buzzer, and LED light indication telling you not to apply further torque.
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CDI ⅜ Inch Drive Micro-Adjustable Torque Wrench 5-75 ft-lbs.
This micrometer torque wrench has a rugged and industrial sturdiness that allows it to stand against heavy-duty professional usage. More so, the handle got non-slippery knurled coating that prevents accidental falls and, at the same time, enhances the overall durability.
For convenient torquing operation, it comes pre-calibrated in both directions. The accuracy in the clockwise direction is about +/–3% and its +/–4% in the counterclockwise direction.
From the torque range of 5 to 75 ft-lbs., you will find this wrench delivering accurate torque on fasteners of small applications.
The wrench also features a positive locking mechanism that locks down whatever torque value you want to set.
In addition to that, there is an easy to read single scale for those who don’t need an additional measure unit.
Compared to other wrenches of its similar category, it’s much easier to use. There is a quick-release button that comes handy for socket retention and removal as well.
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Performance Tool 100-600 ft-lbs. ¾ Inch Drive Torque Wrench
Whether it’s professional-grade construction or high torquing ability with great accuracy, you will find this ¾ torque wrench to be able to handle most of your workloads with ease.
The wrench is made of all-steel material that makes it durable regardless of fastening intensity.
In addition to that, it got a 40 inches long handlebar to be able to access hard to reach fasteners without much trouble.
With its pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–4%, you can effortlessly apply the necessary amount of torque on the fasteners without overtightening them.
The wrench is able to deliver 100-600 ft-lbs. of torque power, which is suitable for precisely fastening nuts and bolts of trucks, auto, SUVs, and many industrial machineries.
As far as ease of torquing is concerned, you can torque fasteners in both directions. Once the desired value is applied, it will emit a click to warn you to stop torquing.
The manufacturer was kind enough to ship this industrial-grade torque wrench in a heavy-duty carrying case for easy storage.
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5 Best Cheap Torque Wrenches Under $100
If you are on a budget, or this is the first time you are about to get a torque wrench, and you don’t want to spend much, you can pick a suitable one from the list below.
Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench and Tipton – Best Gun Vise
If you are looking for a torque wrench to be able to adequately adjust screws on action guns, scope rings, scope base, then this FAT wrench from Wheeler is just the one that meets your requirements.
The wrench offers you torque adjustments that range from 10-60 inch-lbs. With an accuracy of +/–2%, you can tighten those screws perfectly without putting extra pressure on the tighteners and their threads.
However, the accuracy is +/–5% between 40-65 inch-lbs. of torque.
Apart from applying torque to firearms and firearm accessories, you can also use this wrench to tighten regular fasteners as well. This FAT wrench features a durable housing with an ergonomic handle.
The wrench comes with a storage case that includes 10 different bits of various sizes that will make your adjustments more efficient on versatile applications. These bits are made of durable steel material that you can rely on.
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Tekton ½ Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench 25-250 ft-lbs.
Made of durable all-steel material, you can rely on this torque wrench no matter how intensive your fastening job is.
There is no plastic part that can be worn and torn due to excessive torquing or impacts.
The wrench ships pre-calibrated with an accuracy of +/–4%, which is a standard accuracy that is found in wrenches of the similar class.
You can tighten fasteners with the right amount of torque without overtightening and stressing the thread.
Its 26 inches of handlebar allows you to easily access hard to reach fasteners in tight spaces.
There are easy to read dual-range scales in both ft-lb. and Newton-meters units. You can apply torque in either direction with great convenience.
However, the wrench only measures in clockwise to maintain its torquing accuracy. You can apply torque between 25-250 ft-lbs with great precision and accuracy.
Once the wrench applies preset torque value to the fasteners, it will emit click noise, telling you to stop torquing any further.
The manufacturer advises turning the wrench at its lowest torque setting to maintain its calibration.
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Wheeler 710909 Digital Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench
This is a budget edition of the previously reviewed FAT torque wrench of Wheeler. Although it costs relatively less compared to its big brother, yet it comes with features and specs that are hard to ditch.
The wrench is able to deliver torque with an accuracy of +/–2%. This is far more than what conventional mechanical torque wrenches offer.
In addition to that, to deal with the fasteners of various applications, it features a wide range of torque between 15 to 100 ft-lbs.
You can conveniently view the torque or fastening process in its large LCD display. There are also a number of settings and functions to make fastening more efficient and effortless.
Apart from all the features that this one brings, the wrench is made of durable materials and feels very sturdy.
Its handle got an ergonomic molded design that feels comfortable to work for a longer period.
There are both audible and visual indicators once the wrench delivers preset torque value to fasteners.
The low battery indicator also comes handy, telling you when to get new batteries so that the wrench doesn’t stop working in the middle of tightening.
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eTork ½ Inch Drive Click Style – EC3250
You can rely on the high accuracy, durability, and extra features of this digital wrench from eTork.
Where most mechanical torque wrenches come with an accuracy of +/–4%, this one provides you +/–3% accuracy in the clockwise direction.
You can also measure it in counterclockwise direction too, but the accuracy will be highly compromised and reduced to +/–6%. In short, it’s reversible in both directions for convenience.
There are 4 measurement units to choose from. Therefore, you can enter the torque value directly from the manufacturer’s instruction guide, without the need of conversion.
The wrench is made of hardened alloy steel material that assures you about its sturdiness. It feels sturdy yet lightweight and slim enough to make you feel comfortable to use it.
Torque adjustment is relatively easier on this one. You need to pull the lock knob and then adjust to the recommended torque value and push the knob; you are ready to apply the torque on fasteners.
When the preset value is applied onto the fastener, it will emit a click to prevent you from further torquing.
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eTork Click-Style Torque Wrench ½ Inch Drive 50-250 ft-lbs
Great specs, sturdy build, and good accuracy make it one of the best torque wrenches under 100.
This one is made of hardened alloy steel housing that allows you to use it where fastening is tougher than normal day to day work conditions.
Also, its ergonomic grip handle makes it comfortable to use and doesn’t let the wrench fall accidentally.
The wrench is very accurate in both directions. It comes with a pre-calibrated accuracy of +/–3% clockwise and +/–4% counterclockwise, which is hard to beat within this price range. You can conveniently measure and torque this wrench in either direction.
There are both foot-pound and Newton meter scales on the wrench, which is very clear to read regardless of the lighting condition where you work. Thus, you will not make any errors due to the reading issue.
To handle fasteners, the wrench offers torque range between 50-250 ft-lbs. Fasteners that require low and mild amounts of torque, you can deal with them effortlessly.
Its ball-bearing release mechanism makes it more precise and consistent compared to the competitors.
In addition to that, the wrench also features a lock knob mechanism that prevents torque settings from accidental changes.
You can conveniently adjust the torque by pulling down the knob and turning the handlebar.
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Best Cheap Torque Wrench Buying Guide
Cheap Torque Wrench Frequently Asked Questions
Some nuts and bolts come with a specific torque value to be tightened with.
Overtightening those nuts can lead to damaged parts as well as threads, causes wearing of the screws, etc. A torque wrench ensures that the nuts are adequately tightened.
There is a lug nut torque specification from the manufacturer that you need to follow. In most cases, it’s 80 ft-lbs. for steel wheel lug nuts and 100 ft-lbs. For aluminum wheel lug nuts.
All the torque wrenches require to calibrate its accuracy once in a while.
Depending on the mechanism and overall strength of the wrench, you need to calibrate more or less frequently.
You can prolong the calibration life of your torque wrench by simply turning the torque setting at its lowest value.
The general rule of thumb is to calibrate a torque wrench after 5000 cycles or every 12 months of using it, whichever comes first.
However, it highly depends on how often you use the wrench, the condition of it, the temperature of your worksite, etc. factors.
Final Words
Even though there are expensive wrenches out there, you can still get the best cheap torque wrench under 200 or even 100 with great accuracy, depending on your using pattern.
Make sure you don’t drop the wrench too often; otherwise, it will lose its calibration and accuracy.
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